La Foa’s 3,500 inhabitants are proud to live in one of the territory’s most modern rural municipalities with infrastructures that small metropolitan towns might envy. For their part, tourists will enjoy its diversity, in terms of the welcome offered, the activities and the heritage sites.
La Foa owes its position as one of the most renowned rural municipalities among green tourism lovers to the variety of its leisure offer. Whether you are a fan of hiking, horse riding, deep sea diving, kite-surfing (at the Ouano site), stand-up paddleboarding, river excursions, or you want to experience the sensations of freefall sky-diving, La Foa is the place for you!
Fort Teremba, a relic of the colonial era
Over time, the municipality has gone through a long process of evolution. La Foa’s historical origins date back to 1871 with the construction of Fort Teremba, which would become the most important relic of the colonial era and which is a must-visit for anyone staying in New Caledonia.
The municipality then developed with the establishment of a farming penitentiary and it remains an important producer region today. Thus it alone accounts for 60% of local potato production and almost a quarter of fruit production!
Nonetheless, for the past fifteen years or so, the municipality has resolutely set about orienting itself towards rural tourism. Over and above the organization of activities, the heart of the region has some of New Caledonia’s top rated hotel rooms and tables d’hôte.
Marguerite bridge: almost 120 years old and still standing
Finally, it is worth making a stop at the village entrance in the direction from Nouméa. You simply have to take a moment to admire the Marguerite bridge. Built in 1909, it has been out of use for around thirty years, but is now a part of Caledonia’s historic heritage.
- La Foa Tourism
- Opening hours: from Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 8:30am to 10:30am. Closed 1st Wednesday of every month
- Telephone: +687 41 69 11
- Email: lafoatourisme@canl.nc
- Dumbéa
- Boulouparis
- Farino
- Moindou
- Bourail
- Koné
- Voh
- Kaala-Gomen
- Koumac
- Poum
- Païta
- Pouembout
- Poya
- Bélep
- Sarraméa
Admittedly, La Foa’s annual film festival does not share the renown of those of Cannes or Deauville, but it has become a major cultural event for the territory. Since 1999, it has offered people the opportunity to see unique films and features an amateur film competition presided over by a prestigious guest. Personalities having presided over the festival include Jean-Pierre Jeunet (the first), Jane Campion, Patrice Leconte, Miou-Miou and Charles Berling, all of whom are renowned actors or directors in France.
Discover the must-sees in La Foa
Voir plus
The Marguerite bridge
When you arrive in La Foa (or leave from its northern side), consider taking a moment to soak in one of New Caledonia’s most emblematic monuments: the Marg...
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Ouano’s mangroves
Newly created and signposted, three educational paths now allow visitors to explore Ouano’s mangrove swamps and get to know this fragile ecosystem essentia...
Read moreWhat to do in La Foa?
At the heart of the village, the Saturday morning market also has a strong reputation, as does the cinema which hosts an annual festival attracting spectators from all over the territory. Close to the tourist office, Georges Guillermet park offers visitors the opportunity to discover the Melanesian art of sculpture.
